Shaded Seating at America First Field

What You Need to Know About Shade at America First Field

America First Field is the home of Real Salt Lake (MLS) and the Utah Royals (NWSL). Opened in 2008, the stadium is famous for its stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains to the east and its distinctively curved roof canopy.

The south end is the heart of the stadium’s atmosphere. It’s loud, rowdy, and filled with chants and drums, while the west side provides a more relaxed, premium experience with excellent views of the pitch. Not to mention the shade!

How Shade Actually Works Here

Because the stadium is oriented North-to-South, the sun tracks directly over the stadium from the east to the west.

For a late afternoon match, the sun sits over the west grandstand. This means the fans on the east stand (Sections 1 – 7 and 32 – 37) are looking directly west into the sun, dealing with significant glare until it finally dips below the stadium rim. Conversely, the west stands acts as a massive sunshield for itself. The higher the sun is, the more the west side is protected by its own shadow.

The West Side is Best for Shade

For the most comfortable viewing experience, especially during the hot Utah summer, the west side is the best tactical choice.

• Sections 15 – 25: These are the gold standard for shade. You will be among the first to be out of the direct rays, allowing you to watch the game without squinting.

• Sections 13 – 14: These sections are also on the west side, but won’t see shade until later in the afternoon.

• Club and Suites: Premium and Club seating on the west end are enclosed boxes that guarantee shade throughout the entire match.

Late Afternoon and Evening Games

During late afternoon matches, the shade line moves steadily from the west touchline across the pitch toward the east. By the second half of a 4:00 PM game, the west side is almost entirely in the dark.

For evening games, the west side is largely shaded from the first whistle. However, the east side can experience intense glare right up until the moment of sunset. If you are seated behind the south goal line or on the west side, you’ll enjoy a much cooler environment as the mountain air begins to settle over the pitch.